Eagles' 16-player practice squad prediction includes former first-round pick

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni have finalized the 53-man roster. Now the real work begins.

They have to fill a 16-man practice squad that can contain up to six veterans with the rest being first or second-year players. Roseman and Sirianni will have to work quickly after players get past waivers to claim them on the squad.

Among the 35 Eagles waived or released, there should be enough there to pick 16 players to get on the practice squad to start the 2025 season.

Kyle McCord, QB

The Eagles are banged up at quarterback with Tanner McKee's injury, and McCord was the team's sixth-round pick this year before being cut. Despite his 42% completion percentage in preseason, Philly is hoping some time on the practice squad will help in McCord's development.

Montrell Johnson, RB

Johnson was the team's leading rusher over the last two weeks of preseason and proved to have good vision and can make quick cuts to the right hole. He would make for a perfect fourth running back if Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, or A.J. Dillon get hurt.

Ainias Smith, WR

Smith can do it all after catching two touchdowns in the preseason and returning a 46-yard punt in the preseason. The emergence of Darius Cooper and addition of John Metchie III cost Smith a spot on the roster. He should be back as a perfect replacement for any injured receivers that come up.

Elijah Cooks, WR

If it wasn't for Cooks getting hurt against the Cincinnati Bengals on special teams and missing time in training camp, he might be the guy Eagles fans are talking about the way they do about Cooper. The wide receiver is too deep, but keeping Cooks would give them the tall possession receiver they need after Johnny Wilson's season-ending injury.

E.J. Jenkins, TE

Jenkins was in the same position last year and the Eagles liked him enough to bring him back on the practice squad. This seems like a logical fit for him after ending the preseason on a good note against the New York Jets.

Hollin Pierce, OT

The upside potential of Pierce because of his monstrous size and deceiving athleticism is too much for the Eagles to just let walk. It wasn't a perfect preseason for him, but a little more work and time and the Eagles could have something special in Pierce next year.

Laekin Vakalahi, OT

Similar to Jenkins, Vakalahi was a member of the practice squad a season ago and appears to be a good fit now. Vakalahi is trying to take the same path Jordan Mailata did and on the right one to get there.

Kenyon Green, OG

It's becoming clear that Green is a first-round bust, but it doesn't mean he can't be a contributor on the Eagles. He did spend preseason as a second or third string guard and can still be worked on. As long as another team doesn't claim him off waivers, the Eagles should bring him back.

Jacob Sykes, DT

Might be the sneaky pick of the practice squad predictions, but Sykes made a few good plays in stopping the run. The Eagles need to carry at least one defensive tackle on the practice squad and Sykes seemed to be more consistent than Joe Evans was so the edge goes to Sykes.

Patrick Johnson, EDGE

Johnson had a great camp and preseason, but got swallowed up from a deep position group and the team needing to carry 11 offensive linemen. Roseman has already stated he wants Johnson back either on the 53-man roster or the practice squad, so expect him to be signed to practice squad at first and once Landon Dickerson is healthy, Johnson should get promoted to the 53-man roster.